32: The Knights' Hall

Pageant Shield

Mid - 16th century

Italy

This rondache or a buckler was typical of European military ware of the 16th century, although its decoration suggests that it was for official rather than military purposes. The decoration on the shield reflects a worthy embodiment of Milan's famous armoury traditions: using a complex technique of fine gold and silver inlay on a background of blued steel, the author, who was probably attached to a workshop of armourers from the Piccinino family, created a complex narrative composition telling the famous story of one of the Vestal Virgins.